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West Virginia Department of Health Launches Statewide Scheduling Initiative to Improve Rural Access to Care

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health has taken a major step in its Rural Health Transformation Program with the release of a Request for Proposal to build a statewide patient scheduling platform aimed at improving access to medical care across rural communities.

The platform is a core component of the program’s Connected Care Grid initiative, which seeks to modernize how residents find and book appointments for in‑person, telehealth and in‑home services.

“Finding a doctor with an open appointment shouldn’t be a barrier to getting quality healthcare in West Virginia,” said Health Secretary Dr. Arvin Singh. “We want patients to have clear, real‑time scheduling options that reduce wait times and connect them directly to care. It’s a key investment in building a healthier, stronger state.”

The proposed system would allow patients to view real‑time availability across multiple providers and book appointments through a single, user‑friendly interface. To make that possible, the state is seeking a platform capable of integrating with existing electronic health record and scheduling systems used by clinics and hospitals.

The RFP also calls for an AI‑powered navigation tool designed to help patients identify the most appropriate care options based on their location and needs — a feature officials say will help break down long‑standing barriers to access in rural areas.

“We are looking to build the digital infrastructure for a modern rural health system,” Singh said. “A unified scheduling network will make it easier for patients to get appointments and give providers tools to work more efficiently. This is a critical step toward a more resilient and accessible healthcare system for our state.”

Eligible applicants can access the solicitation through the state’s procurement portal at wvOASIS.gov. Additional details will be provided during an upcoming RFP webinar.

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